Environmental Studies

Tropical Ecology Programs in Costa Rica

The Environmental Studies Program, in conjunction with the Biology Department, offers
two opportunities to study tropical ecology in Costa Rica.

Spring Semester

Biology 472 (Tropical Ecology and Conservation) is taught each spring semester by
Prof. Dick Andrus and Prof. Julian Shepherd. The course focuses on the ecology of
tropical environments, emphasizing ecology of rain forests, cloud forests and disturbed
areas. Special attention is given to insect/plant interactions, bird ecology and the
place of humans in the environment. The cornerstone of the course is a 10-day spring
break field trip to Costa Rica, coupled with lectures in Binghamton.

Summer Program

A 6-credit summer course in Costa Rica, sponsored by the Environmental Studies Program
through the Tropical Forestry Initiative, is designed to introduce students to a wide range of tropical environments in Costa
Rica, coupled with conducting research activities at TFI's Los Arboles Preserve.
Here students study aspects of tropical reforestation and forest management in a setting
in which active reforestation is occurring. Students receive 4 credits for Tropical
Ecology and Conservation (Biology 472) and 2 credits of Internship (Envi 495). The
course is overseen by Prof. Richard Andrus.